The Youth Team gave spectators a stunning display on Saturday morning as they thumped Wigan Athletic 5-0 in the second round of the Youth Alliance Cup.
In the early stages there were signs that City would break through, the first chance falling to Matt Cotton (pictured) who forced an excellent save from Callum Mulby. But the deadlock was broken after just 12 minutes when Cotton struck a superb volley over the Wigan goalkeeper.
Wigan struggled to cope with the Imps’ bright link up play and further chances quickly followed to Cotton and Rob Smith. At the same time, City’s defence remained solid with Wigan’s chances limited to set pieces and a shot from distance which flew wide of Henry Smith’s post.
Despite dominating play the young Imps finished the half just a goal in front but City’s youngsters knew the opening minutes of the second half were vital and on 48 minutes a quick free-kick from Matt Bowles and more clever link up play released Kegan Everington into the box and his low drive doubled the lead.
City were now on top and went in search of more goals and just five minutes later leading scorer Alex Simmons got on the score sheet with a close range finish.
Lincoln’s attacking didn’t stop there and they continued to be a threat with all of the action being in and around the Wigan box. Both Rob Smith and the hard-working Mason Love were working the channels well with great build up play down both flanks and full backs Nick Green and Kieran Walker were joining in and getting plenty of possession in advanced areas.
Simmons quickly scored again as he found the bottom right corner of the net for the second time to make it four on the hour mark.
Skipper Callum Ward, Jordan Cooke and Henry Smith, meanwhile, marshalled any threat of a Wigan counter attack well. Smith was forced to tip a speculative effort over the bar and the Imps continued to defend set pieces well.
Andy Wright and Cenk Akar replaced Everington and Love, before Cotton made it five for the Imps with his second of the game to round of a fantastic performance from the City youngsters.
Team: Henry Smith, Green, Walker, Everington (Wright 75), Ward, Cooke, Simmons, Bowles, Love (Akar 70), Cotton (Harper 80), Rob Smith. Subs: Grundy, Walton.
